I grew up with our food coming in a box from the local Catholic church. Needless to say, I grew up with unmet needs due to financial hardship. Now, at 36 I’m walking away from a 13-year career that I never loved but that gave me financial freedom. My career allowed me to leave a bad marriage, support myself and my child, and create a life where I no longer have to worry where my next meal is coming from. I’m making significantly less money right now, but am so much happier. The only reason I was able to do this is that my husband and I built up enough financial cushion to jump. The ability to pursue creative dreams rather than a larger paycheck is a privilege that many don’t have because sometimes, life is hard.

Even though I know we are going to be fine, I still wake at night sometimes, worrying about whether me chasing a dream will mean my children have to suffer.